Twenty-six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commanders have been promoted to the next higher rank as captain, the PCG disclosed Friday, Jan. 6.

Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) approved the promotion of the 26 PCG general and technical line officers.

Abu sent a recommendation letter to DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista last Dec. 27, 2022 to push for the promotion of the PCG commanders. The promotion was approved by the DOTr and it took effect on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

Promoted to the rank of captain from the general line officers were CG Commanders Terence Alsosa, Dino Garcia, Josemari Cucharo, Jefferson Ruco, Rolando Lorenzana, Michael Andag, Patrick Babag, Restituto Concio, Jesse Guiniling, Laurel Paul Mariano Jr., Crisanto Anas, Jerome Jeciel;

Ferdinand Montermoso, Arbie Caspillo, Airland Lapitan, Rodolfo Dela Peña Jr., Marlowe Acevedo, Antolin Cayabo, Francisco Achilles Acedillo, Jerome Lozada, Eddyson Abanilla, Jomark Angue, and Rosendo Abinoja III.

Meanwhile, promoted from the technical line officers were CG Commanders Gernil Nilo, Owen Adao, and Johonsan Fabilane.

Abu thanked Bautista and DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento for “continuously supporting the career growth and professional development of Coast Guardians.”

Meanwhile, the PCG chief urged the promotees to consider such feat as a “challenge to serve the country better and become more efficient leaders of the organization.”

"The higher rank bestowed upon your shoulders signifies a greater responsibility to the Filipino nation. Hence, I expect you to act as role models to your subordinates,” Abu told the promotees.

“I challenge you to bring your respective units to a higher level of success by providing the best possible service that our fellow Filipinos deserve. Congratulations," he added.